In the latest episode of the Restaurant Rock Stars Podcast, we welcome Matt DoRight, a determined entrepreneur who turned the challenges of the pandemic into an opportunity to thrive in the restaurant industry. His journey is marked by resilience, creativity, and a fresh take on social media marketing that has brought extraordinary success.

Childhood Dreams and Early Entrepreneurial Spirit

Matt’s entrepreneurial aspirations began at the tender age of nine with a lemonade stand. This early experience gave him his first taste of business success and set the stage for a lifelong journey of entrepreneurship. His proactive attitude and willingness to take risks have been key factors in his success.

The Leap into Restaurant Ownership

During the pandemic, Matt took a courageous step by purchasing a restaurant, Red Knapps, a 70-year-old burger and milkshake joint. Despite lacking experience in certain areas of restaurant ownership, Matt’s determination drove him to learn and adapt quickly. He focused on creating a vision that inspired and excited his team, setting ambitious goals to transform the business.

Harnessing the Power of Social Media

Understanding the power of social media, Matt embarked on a creative mission to capture the attention of renowned chef Gordon Ramsey by creating a unique series of videos featuring unusual burger ingredients. This clever strategy led to a viral moment that skyrocketed his visibility and brought 50,000 followers in just a few short months.

Creating Community with the Milkshake Guessing Game

In his continuous quest for innovation, Matt introduced the milkshake guessing game, a novel concept that encouraged engagement and brought guests from all over. This game not only created buzz on social media but also helped to position his local restaurant as a global brand.

Strategic Content Creation

Matt emphasizes content as a cornerstone of his strategy, focusing on what excites him and resonates with audiences. Through consistent posting and storytelling through food, he has maintained a strong presence across various platforms, ensuring his content is seen by a broad audience.

Building a Supportive Team Culture

Matt believes in fostering a supportive work environment where employees are encouraged to be themselves. By blending life skills with workplace training, he has cultivated a dedicated and capable team that shares his vision for success.

Keys to Successful Social Media Strategy

Matt’s advice for aspiring restaurateurs is to consistently create content, be present across multiple platforms, and most importantly, have fun with it. His approach of integrating personal creativity with strategic social media marketing has proven effective in driving customer loyalty and expanding brand awareness.

Conclusion

Matt DoRight’s journey from a young lemonade stand entrepreneur to a savvy restaurant owner is a testament to embracing innovation and persistence. His innovative use of social media and team leadership strategies has not only reinvented his business but inspired others in the industry. For more inspiring stories and insights into the restaurant business, stay tuned for future episodes of the Restaurant RockStars Podcast.